Thomas Eugene Draper Jr., 80 passed away at Humboldt General Hospital, in Winnemucca on Sunday, October 17, 2021.
Tom was born on April 20, 1941, in Colorado Springs, CO to Thomas E. Draper and Betty Green Draper.
When he was 1, they moved to Neosho, Missouri where he lived close to both his grandparents, James and Katie Drape and Rufus and Agnes Green, and many aunts and uncles.
When he was a teenager he moved to Susanville, California where his uncle, aunt and several cousins lived.
During this time, he worked for the Mapes Ranch and rodeoed, riding bucking horses.
Tom met and later married Norla Scott on February 17, 1962, in Reno, NV starting their family in Susanville, they had 3 children. In 1966, the family moved to Gabbs, Nevada where he began his career in mining as a mechanic.
During this time, they welcomed 4 more children. Tom was an active member in the Gabbs Volunteer Fire Department.
He continued his mining career in Lovelock, NV and Winnemucca, NV until retiring in 2006.
Tom enjoyed his many hunting and fishing trips, family gatherings (he loved to BBQ).
He was a loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and watching them in many rodeos and sporting events.
He loved vacationing, going to brandings with his sons, gardening, watching old westerns and recently feeding and watching the birds.
He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Humboldt County Search and Rescue.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Betty and Sister Linda.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Norla Draper of Winnemucca. Children, Teresa Dini, Thomas (Kara) Draper III, Daniel Draper, Kateri (Alex) Martinez, Tim (Kelly) Draper of Winnemucca. Joe Draper of Jarrell, Texas, and Nathan (Denise) Draper of Yakima, Washington. 25 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Sisters, Barbara Sherman of Virginia and Mary Cobb of Missouri and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A viewing will be held on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 10:00 am. Rosary at 10:30 am and a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. Masks are required to enter the church.
A luncheon will follow upon returning from the Winnemucca Cemetery.
Donations may be sent to St. Paul’s Altar Society 1361 Harmony Rd Winnemucca, NV 89445.
